Camping Fun

And were back...well we got back on Sunday evening but with Brent working from home on Monday the computer was unavailable to me. Which was not the worst thing because I was able to get a lot of other stuff done. During our camping trip I noticed that Casey's shoes were on their last legs so we found a new pair of fast running shoes for him. Then we started the second session of swimming lessons and got the rest of the odds and ends from camping cleaned up. So what was the camping trip like...here is a small peak into the weekend. I have pictures but the blog will not let me upload them so they will be in the next post...I promise.

On Friday we left on at about 3:00 which made it nice since we were headed to Challis for the camping. I had Casey help me pack up the cooler and get a few other things in order, we then made some sandwiches for supper and headed out. We made it to Challis at about 7:00 and met up with Brent's parents. After checking the map we headed out to find out first camp site for the night. We found a place that worked for our tent and for Brent's parents camper and got things set up. Since we had already had supper the camp fire was more for warmth and to roast a few marshmallows and besides what is camping without a fire. So after filling our bellies with chocolate, marshmallows, crackers and beer, (juice for Casey) we headed to bed. As we were getting in the sleeping bags Casey said he wanted to sleep in, please please dear son that would be wonderful. It was a very good night, I slept warm and only had to leave the tent once to use a tree. That would be the only bad thing about a lot of our camp sites, we dont camp in places where there are designated potties to trees are used but its not to bad.

Saturday morning was supposed to be a late sleeping day for us which turned into 6:30 a.m., yes that was sleeping in for Casey. :) The morning was very nice and crisp, not to cold but not hot either. We started a fire and got the coffee going and then had some muffins to snack on for a prebreakfast. We took Buddy on this trip and he did very well. This was his first camping trip and he did not keep us up at night and even stayed close to the camp and out of the food. All good things for a camp dog. Once we got going LaDawn got breakfast started, pancakes, sausage, cantaloupe and fresh raspberries. While breakfast cooked I got out tent and sleeping stuff put up since we were going to find a new place to camp for the second night. There really is nothing better than fresh raspberries on a pancake with a view of the mountains and camp coffee, ie grounds in the cup.

After breakfast and getting everything cleaned up we unloaded the 4-wheelers and set out to explore the area. Our first ride took us to Twin Peaks Fire Look Out. Very pretty ride and very pretty site. The guy that works in the tower was there so we talked to him for a while and then headed back down the mountain. Once back at the camp site we loaded up the 4-wheelers, let Casey and Buddy run and then headed out again to find a new place to camp and a new place to ride. Brent wanted to check out a place called Iron Creek which is still in the Challis area.

We found a good place to pull the trucks over and have lunch. Sandwiches, chips and many salads were on the menu. LaDawn brought the sandwiches and potato salad. I asked/told her I would bring the other salads mainly because I have a couple of good recipes for salads. My favorite pasta salad and then a four-bean salad and cole slaw were on the menu. I did not dress any of the salads so they all stayed fresh for the trip. After our lunch we unpacked the 4-wheelers and headed out to check out more sites. This ride ended up taking us to another lookout tower. This one was not manned but still fun to see. On the trip back on this ride we hit some rain. Thankfully it all cleared up as we got back but there were a few minutes of wondering if we were going to have to sleep in the truck or in the camper because of the rain. This is the site we saw when we came around the corner. Thank you Lord for your wonderful promises. If you ever wondered what was at the end of the rainbow...its a herd of elk.

Back at the truck and packed up again we headed out to find a camp site. This one ended up being off the side of the road and close to the river and just enough trees for privacy. It was late and there was no fire ring so we just grilled the hot dogs on the camp stove and had the marshmallows the same way. Casey was not to pleased with this idea but thats all we could do. Even not being happy about it he had two hot dogs...he can eat when he wants to. We got things put away and went to bed. Then about 1:00 we got a storm move though but nothing major from it. Just a lot of wind and a little rain. Morning came with a lovely sun rise and the chance to see some deer very close to camp.

Sunday morning we had the rest of the muffins and coffee and got things cleaned up. Instead of riding 4-wheelers this day we decided to try and find a few fish. Ended up catching about 10 fish but only keeping 4, some were to small and why did we need all of them. After fishing for the morning we did a little more driving and then had some lunch and set out for home.

It was a very fun and relaxing weekend. We got back to Boise at about 6:30 and got cleaned up. Nothing better than a shower after a long camping trip. Brent and Casey got the pickup, the cooler, the dog crate and the dog a washed down while I got the rest of the stuff unloaded and ready to be washed. Casey thought it was so fun to give Buddy a bath in the back up Brents truck and it helped to get him a little clean as well. Then bath time for the guys and pizza to cap off the night.

So that was our weekend. Hopefully you stayed away for the long story. Now its back to real life in the city. :) Got to love it.